BAE Systems’ Seeker Performs Successfully in Historic Integrated Live Fire
Missile Defense Test
Business Wire
NASHUA, N.H. -- February 7, 2013
BAE Systems’ Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) infrared imaging
seeker successfully engaged a medium-range ballistic missile target recently
in the largest, most complex missile defense test in U.S. history.
A THAAD interceptor is launched from Meck Island. (Photo: BAE Systems)
A THAAD interceptor is launched from Meck Island. (Photo: BAE Systems)
The THAAD weapon system acquired a medium-range missile that was launched from
a C-17 aircraft during the 2012 test conducted by the Missile Defense Agency
and Lockheed Martin, the THAAD prime contractor and systems integrator. With
this test, BAE Systems’ THAAD seeker has now successfully engaged short- and
medium-range ballistic missile targets.
“The THAAD weapon system is proven and reliable,” said Barry Yeadon, THAAD
program manager for BAE Systems. “THAAD has a spotless flight test record of
10-for-10 intercepts.”
THAAD is designed to defend U.S. and allied soldiers, military assets, and
metropolitan areas from ballistic missile attack threats. BAE Systems’ seeker
provides the infrared imagery from the targeted warhead to the missile to
guide the interceptor to its target, destroying enemy warheads through direct
“hit-to-kill” technology.
The Missile Defense Agency completed the ballistic missile defense system
flight test integrated-01 live-fire demonstration at the U.S. Army's Kwajalein
Atoll/Reagan test site in the Pacific Ocean.
BAE Systems’ THAAD seeker program is delivering seekers to the U.S. government
for the second production lot. BAE Systems manufactures the THAAD seeker in
its Nashua, New Hampshire factory. The company has worked on missile defense
seekers since the late 1970s and achieved the first hit-to-kill intercept of a
ballistic missile target in 1984.
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Contact:
BAE Systems
Karen Spiller, +1 603-885-2818
Mobile: +1 603-566-2090
karen.spiller@baesystems.com
www.baesystems.com